NCERT Class 8 History — Chapter 5: Civilising the “Native”, Educating the Nation

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Which of the following was NOT a reason cited by Wood’s Despatch for promoting European learning?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AIt would enable Indians to recognise the advantages of trade.
BIt would make Indians truthful and honest.
CIt would supply the Company with trusted civil servants.
DIt would help Indians rediscover their lost ancient glory.

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is

It would help Indians rediscover their lost ancient glory.

Explanation

Wood’s Despatch of 1854, often termed the "Magna Carta of English Education in India," outlined the comprehensive policy for the education system in British India. Its primary objective was the diffusion of European knowledge, which it considered practically and morally superior to Oriental learning.

Analysis of Options

It would enable Indians to recognise the advantages of trade. is a cited reason: The Despatch argued that European learning would enable Indians to recognize the advantages of the expansion of trade and commerce, thereby developing the country's resources.
It would make Indians truthful and honest. is a cited reason: It claimed that Western education would improve the moral character of Indians, specifically making them more truthful and honest.
It would help Indians rediscover their lost ancient glory. is NOT a cited reason: Wood’s Despatch did not aim to help Indians rediscover their ancient glory. On the contrary, it criticized Indian and Eastern literature as being full of "grave errors" and lacking practical utility. The revival of ancient glory was a theme associated with later Indian nationalists and social reformers, not British educational policy.
It would supply the Company with trusted civil servants. is a cited reason: By improving the moral character and educational standard of Indians, the Despatch aimed to supply the East India Company with reliable and capable public servants.

Key Takeaway: Wood’s Despatch promoted European learning for its utilitarian value-enhancing trade, improving moral character for administrative reliability, and rejecting traditional Oriental knowledge.

Your note

More from Chapter 5: Civilising the “Native”, Educating the Nation

With reference to the tradition of Orientalism in late 18th-century India, consider the following statements: 1. William Jones arrived in Calcutta in 1783 primarily to set up the Department of Education for the East India Company. 2. Henry Thomas Colebrooke and Nathaniel Halhed were involved in translating Sanskrit and Persian works into English. 3. The Asiatic Society of Bengal was established by William Jones in collaboration with other British officials interested in Indian heritage. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which one of the following institutions was established in 1781 to promote the study of Arabic, Persian, and Islamic law?

easy

With reference to the early educational institutions established by the British, consider the following pairs: 1. Calcutta Madrasa : 1781 2. Hindu College, Benaras : 1791 3. Asiatic Society of Bengal : 1783 4. Serampore College : 1818 How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

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With reference to the English Education Act of 1835, consider the following statements: 1. It was introduced following the recommendations of James Mill. 2. It made English the medium of instruction for higher education. 3. It proposed the establishment of new Oriental institutions like the Calcutta Madrasa. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Thomas Macaulay emphasised the need to teach the English language in India for which of the following reasons? 1. To allow Indians to read the finest literature the world had produced. 2. To make Indians aware of developments in Western science and philosophy. 3. To change the tastes, values, and culture of the people. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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Correct Option

The correct option is

It would help Indians rediscover their lost ancient glory.

Explanation

Analysis of Options

It would enable Indians to recognise the advantages of trade. is a cited reason: The Despatch argued that European learning would enable Indians to recognize the advantages of the expansion of trade and commerce, thereby developing the country's resources.
It would make Indians truthful and honest. is a cited reason: It claimed that Western education would improve the moral character of Indians, specifically making them more truthful and honest.
It would help Indians rediscover their lost ancient glory. is NOT a cited reason: Wood’s Despatch did not aim to help Indians rediscover their ancient glory. On the contrary, it criticized Indian and Eastern literature as being full of "grave errors" and lacking practical utility. The revival of ancient glory was a theme associated with later Indian nationalists and social reformers, not British educational policy.
It would supply the Company with trusted civil servants. is a cited reason: By improving the moral character and educational standard of Indians, the Despatch aimed to supply the East India Company with reliable and capable public servants.